NEAR is NEAR is an international organization founded by 29 regional governments from four Northeast
Asian countries, including People's Republic of China, Japan, Republic of Korea and Russian
Federation in September 1996 in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Republic of Korea. NEAR is
committed to contributing to the co-development of the region and world peace by enhancing mutual
exchange and cooperation based on the spirit of reciprocity and equity.
Since adopting the Charter based on the ideology of co-prosperity of Northeast Asia, NEAR has been
practicing extensive exchange and cooperation projects in various fields ranging from economy and
trade to educational and cultural exchanges, environment, disaster prevention, cross-border
cooperation, science and technology, maritime affairs and fisheries, tourism, mineral resources
development, energy and climate change and to women and children.
With the accession of new members at the 8th General Assembly held in October 2010 in Gyeonggido
Province, Korea, NEAR has grown into a local diplomacy and cooperation organization
representing Northeast Asia with 70 member regional governments from six countries.